The Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five officials of the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue over allegations of diverting N1,294,337,676.53 (One Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety-Four Million, Three Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy-Six Naira, Fifty-Three Kobo) meant for the state government.
CHRICED Reacts To lawsuit By 16 State Governor’s Against EFCC
The arrested officials include Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri.
According to an EFCC statement, the arrests followed a petition from the Katsina State Government, which alleged that the suspects colluded to misappropriate funds accrued to the state from international health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA).
Sagagi Drags EFCC, Police to Court Over APC Alleged Diversion
Preliminary investigations by the EFCC revealed that Rabiu Abdullahi, a former Director of Collections and now the Permanent Secretary of the Board, authorized the opening of a bank account in the name of “BOIRS” at Sterling Bank.
He allegedly appointed Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, the Director of Revenue Account, and Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro as the sole signatories to the account.
The EFCC disclosed that the account became the conduit for funneling funds to NADIKKO General Suppliers, a company owned by Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, an Assistant Director in Career Skills and Staff Welfare at the Board.
EFCC Declares Former Governor Of Kogi Yahaya Bello Wanted
“The laundered funds were traced to various bank accounts belonging to the suspects,” the statement said.
Further investigations revealed that Nura Lawal and his company, NADIKKO, played a central role in laundering the funds, which were then dispersed across the suspects’ accounts.
Accountability: Anti-Graft Agencies interact with Kano south districts
The EFCC confirmed that all suspects are currently being detained at its Kano Zonal Command. They are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
KANO TIMES